Lesson 1 - Intro to Yoga & Sun Salutation
Mindful Movement Flows
•Year 5
•Yoga
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How can yoga help us connect our mind, body and breath to improve our wellbeing?
Learning Objectives
- To develop an understanding of what yoga is and its benefits for mind, body and breath
- To learn and perform the sun salutation flow with control and coordination
- To develop flexibility and body awareness through yoga poses and mindful breathing
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand the basic principles of yoga and its holistic benefits
- Students will be able to perform a simple sun salutation sequence
- Students will demonstrate improved body awareness and breathing techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Arrange in circle formation for introduction, then individual spaces for practice
Alternative: Towels or blankets if mats unavailable
Place at front of room to represent the sun for sun salutation
Alternative: Yellow markers or pictures of the sun
Set up sound system before lesson begins
Alternative: Any calm, instrumental music suitable for meditation
Have available for reading during sun salutation practice
Alternative: Create own simple desert-themed story connecting the poses
Key Vocabulary
A practice that combines physical poses, breathing techniques and mindfulness to strengthen the mind, body and spirit
A respectful greeting in yoga meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'
A flowing sequence of yoga poses performed to honour the sun and warm up the body
A standing pose with feet hip-width apart, spine tall and arms at sides - our foundation pose
Paying attention to the present moment with awareness and without judgement
A mindfulness technique where you focus attention on different parts of the body to notice sensations
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic body awareness and spatial understanding
- Ability to follow simple movement instructions
- Understanding of breathing as essential for life
Current Skills
- Introduction to yoga philosophy and practice
- Basic yoga poses and transitions
- Mindful breathing and body scanning techniques
Next Steps
- More complex yoga sequences and flows
- Advanced breathing techniques (pranayama)
- Partner and group yoga poses
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Yoga exercises mind, body and breath together
- Always move slowly and within your comfort zone
- Breathing should be deep, slow and controlled
- Focus on how poses feel rather than how they look
- Everyone's body is different and equally valid
- Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment
- Respect for yoga tradition through appropriate behaviour
Common Misconceptions
- Yoga is only about being flexible - correct by emphasising strength, focus and breathing
- You must be able to do advanced poses - emphasise personal journey and comfort
- Yoga is too easy or boring - highlight the challenge of focus and breath control
- Only certain body types can do yoga - celebrate all bodies and adaptations
- Yoga is just stretching - explain the mental and spiritual aspects too
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter sequences initially, movement breaks within poses, fidget alternatives during relaxation
dyspraxia
- Simplified pose variations, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of poses, quiet space options for overwhelm
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of poses, physical guidance where appropriate, consistent spatial setup
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, written pose cards, clear visual cues for transitions
physical disability
- Chair-supported versions of poses, adapted ranges of motion, focus on accessible movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using descriptive language for poses and feelings
Maths
Counting breaths, timing holds, understanding patterns in sequences
Science
Understanding body systems, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, flexibility and muscle groups
Geography
Exploring yoga's origins in India, understanding different cultural practices around the world
PSHE
Self-awareness, emotional regulation, respect for different traditions and practices
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around space to observe all students, position at front for demonstrations, sit/lie when guiding relaxation
Observation Focus
Watch for breath-movement coordination, safe alignment in poses, signs of overexertion
Intervention Points
Step in if students forcing poses, help with alignment, support those finding focus difficult
Demonstration Notes
Model every pose clearly, show modifications, demonstrate breath-movement connection visibly
Verbal Cues
- •'Breathe deeply and slowly'
- •'Only go as far as feels comfortable'
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Soft shoulders, away from your ears'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 2m x 2m per student, non-slip surface, room for lying down
Surface Check
Clean, dry, even surface. Check for any objects that could cause injury
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Ensure yoga mats are clean and non-slip
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify sound system volume is appropriate
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips or falls during balance poses
- •Overstretching or forcing poses beyond comfort
- •Dizziness from position changes or deep breathing
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise moving slowly and within comfort zones
- •Teach students to come out of poses if they feel dizzy
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students
- •Model all poses with proper alignment
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during floor work
- •Monitor for any signs of discomfort or distress
- •Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if anyone feels unwell, ensure student sits/lies down safely, provide water if needed